Page 70 of Bound and Blitzed

I roll my eyes. “We’re going to make the playoffs.”

I pull Valentina away from her family’s eavesdropping.

Still, I hear Mr. Garcia mumble to his son, “That’s the type of confidence you need to have as team captain.”

Of course, he would never admit that to me. He’s hardly looked at me, never mind spoken. Instead, Mrs. Garcia is the parent laying down the law. She’s a fair, but firm, competitor, and I know it’s going to take a hell of a lot more time to prove that I’m invested in my marriage.

To get on their good side, I try to help Mrs. Garcia’s cause. “Your mom really wants you to attend. She wants time with all her children.”

Lena lifts an eyebrow. “And you’re concerned about my mamá’s wants because…”

“I want her to like me,” I admit.

Valentina smiles and places a hand on my cheek. “Eventually, she will. How could she not?”

I sigh. “They’re not embracing us the way I thought they would.”

“They’re acting exactly how I expected,” Valentina admits, disappointment coloring her tone. “Come on, let’s eat.”

Valentina refuses to commit to the idea and I let the topic go. Instead, I follow her to the table where a roast, vegetables, potatoes, and salad sit in the center. Thank God Raia saved Christmas.

We say grace and begin to eat, but the conversation is stifled.

Sighing, I try to break the ice. “When’s your next game?” I ask Alejandro.

“The ninth,” he replies, taking a sip of wine. “Against Barcelona.”

“That’s gonna be a shitshow,” Carla muses. She glances at her sister. “When’s your research trip, Vale?”

“January 4,” Valentina replies, taking a spoonful of mashed potatoes.

“Where are you going?” Ale asks.

“The Great Smoky Mountains,” Valentina says, not elaborating.

Her family is silent for a beat, staring at her.

I note the hope that flares in her eyes, but she keeps her expression neutral.

“Oh? What’s the research topic?” Mr. Garcia asks, reaching for another helping of veggies.

And just like that, my wife’s shoulders relax, a smile crosses her face, and she leans forward to tell her family about her research, the program she launched at the nature center, and the work she’s doing with Dr. Mendoza.

They give her their full attention and ask relevant questions. I watch as Valentina comes alive, talking with her hands, her eyes sparkling.

At one point her mom’s expression softens and she beams at her daughter with pride.

It’s the type of reaction, the kind of support, Valentina has been chasing for years. Deep down, I know she’s going to attend the gala with her family in Chicago. And I hope that her time with them helps soften their outlook on our marriage.

I insisted that Valentina’s family stay with us.

Of course, they protested. But as it’s already Christmas Day, they couldn’t find a last-minute hotel reservation. Even name-dropping Garcia and Callaway didn’t work—go figure.

While Mr. Garcia seemed truly affronted at this realization, Alejandro and Carla laughed.

“I suppose we’ll have to take advantage of your generosity,” Mr. Garcia grumbled, clearly frustrated to accept my offer.

“You’re not,” I assured him. “We’re family now.”

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